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< Back Young Adult PALS We invite all young adults to join us on Tuesday evenings for fellowship, to pray together, and to study God’s Word. A new small group ministry! We invite all young adults to join us on Tuesday evenings at 7pm at Grace for fellowship, to pray together, and to study God’s Word. For More Information Contact Deaconess Anna Voelker Schedule Tuesdays at 7pm Previous Next

Privacy Policy This website is intended for members, friends, and anyone who is interested in learning more about Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Durham, North Carolina. The nature of a Website is such that anyone with an internet connection may view it. We believe in the inherent goodness of creation, yet we know we must safeguard the privacy rights of individuals and therefore observe the following principles: On any and all pages of this Website: We will not list private addresses or phone numbers unless expressly requested by the individual. We will not list private email addresses unless expressly permitted by the owner(s). We may post names, business phone, address, and email information of staff and volunteers as needed to conduct church business with their permission. We may post photos of church activities and identify participants by name with their permission. Children will be identified only by first name with parental permission. Individuals may request that photos be removed by contacting the Website administrators at website@gracelutheranchurch.net and we will honor the request at our earliest convenience. You may receive periodic emails from Grace as a way to keep you informed of activities, announcements, and events. You may always request removal from distribution lists by contacting the church office. Blogs, message boards, and other communication tools may be offered from time to time. We reserve the right to restrict access to these services. We may collect personal information as needed to set up accounts and/or identify users. Personal information will not be shared or sold to any other party. Blogs, message boards and forums may be moderated and we reserve the right to delete posts or content deemed inappropriate. Posts must refrain from offensive language or material. All content, images, and files posted to the Website are protected by copyright laws. Certain elements may be intellectual property of third parties and are used with permission. Content may be viewed and printed as needed, but the content may not be reproduced in other contexts. Outside material may not be uploaded to the Website, blog, or other forums which infringes on any copyright, trademark or other proprietary rights. Adherence to content guidelines pertaining to blogs or other communication tools to which one has access will be expected at all times. Grace Lutheran Church disclaims any liability for errors, omissions, typographical errors, out of date material, or other inaccuracies that may appear on the website.

Meet the dedicated leadership team of Grace Lutheran Church Durham. Learn about our pastors and leaders who are passionate about guiding our church community in faith, service, and spiritual growth in Durham, NC. Leadership Welcome! Our shared goal is to help you grow as a follower of Jesus, discover your voice for God’s praise, and move into the world to be a blessing for others. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any one of us. Our Staff Pastor Rev. Dr. David Brooks Bio & Contact Music Director Erin Lynn Hodge Bio & Contact Director of Christian Outreach Anna Voelker Bio & Contact Parish Administrator Kim Romigh Bio & Contact Grace Advisory Board The Grace Advisory Board establishes all policies governing the activities of the congregation and with the implementation of the mission, vision, budget and plans adopted by the Voters Assembly. Bev Hudgins President Presides over GAB meetings and Voters Assembly. Dede Crosmer Secretary Administrative responsibilities such as keeping accurate documentation of GAB and Voter Assembly meeting minutes. Barbara Silvernail Vice President In the absence of the President, presides over GAB meetings and Voters Assembly. Active participant in current and future planning of church programs. Dan Thomas Congregational Rep Represents the congregation on the Grace Advisory Board and assists in interpreting and communicating the congregation mission and vision to the members. Kathy Peterson Resource Board Represents the Resource Board on the Grace Advisory Board. Responsible for communicating physical and financial needs of the facilities/plant. Supports other teams with needed materials or resources. Chris Wethman Discipleship / Servant Board Helps learners understand the congregation’s vision and mission and to grow as participants in the congregation’s shared life. Get in Touch First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for contacting us. We will be in touch!

< Back Quilters Team Help us make quilts to share with people in need around the world. The groups’ main focus is quilting for charity through the Lutheran World Relief Mission. Making Lutheran World Relief Mission quilts is a tangible way to express love to our neighbors in need. Quilts can be used as warm bedding, simple tents or floor coverings. Each one reflects God's loving presence in a world rife with suffering. Quilts are blessed and sent to Lutheran World Relief for shipping around the world. For More Information Contact the church office at office@gracedurham.org . Schedule We meet every Wednesday from 10AM – 12PM at Grace. Previous Next

Growing in Christ This step invites you into ongoing spiritual growth and active participation in the life of the church. You’ll discover how God works through your gifts, relationships, and daily work, develop life-giving spiritual practices, and engage in service and ministry. Faith becomes not just something you believe, but something you live. You may work through materials , attend classes a s they become available (see below) and find a small group . Don't see a small group for you? Email Deaconess Anna to start one! Lutheranism 101 This course is a chance both for those new to Lutheran Christianity and those who would welcome a refresher, a chance to explore how Lutherans understand the gospel, approach the scriptures, make use of the sacraments, and live together as the people of God. Sundays at 8:30am in the downstairs Duke Lutheran Center Bible Studies & Small Groups Sunday Morning Discussion Group on Luther's Large Catechism Bible Study on Isaiah Young Adult Study Group and more! See our Calendar

< Back Farmers' Market The market is open the 2nd Saturday of each month April-October and a Christmas Market The Farmers' Market is a ministry that grew out of the Racial Reconciliation group. It was launched in 2024 and takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month from April to October, running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the church’s lower parking lot. The market’s goal is to support local Durham farmers and vendors of color, and address food insecurity in collaboration with the Walltown Food Ministry. We strive to share faith stories about what God is doing in our lives and aim to build relationships within the community connecting people with Jesus. For More Information Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Market! Schedule 2nd Saturday of each month from April to October from 1:00 - 4:00 pm Christmas Market: Saturday, December 13 Previous Next

< Back Lutherans for Life Lutherans for Life equips individuals and communities to uphold the God-given value of human life through Gospel-centered advocacy, education, and compassionate action. OUR MISSION … Equipping Lutherans and their neighbors to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life OUR VISION … Every Lutheran, both individually and in community, upholding the God-given value of human life and influencing society to do the same OUR PHILOSOPHY … Lutherans For Life believes that the Church is compelled by God’s Word to speak and act on behalf of those who are vulnerable and defenseless. The crisis of our times is the repudiation of biblical truth manifested in the wanton destruction of innocent human life through legalized abortion-on-demand and the growing threat to the lives of others through legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia. Therefore, as Lutherans For Life, we will strive to give a Gospel-motivated witness to the Church and society on these and other related issues, such as chastity, post-abortion healing, and family living. We will call God’s people to compassionate action and foster life-affirming alternatives for those facing difficult situations. This is a P.A.L.S. group (our name for small groups). Every group offers the opportunity for prayer, activity, learning, and service ( P.A.L.S.) For More Information Email Carolyn McElfatrick Schedule Varies Previous Next

< Back Grief Group Offers year-round support for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Meets Tuesdays at 4pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (1200 W. Cornwallis, Durham). For More Information Contact Joyce Rea Current Series Schedule Click on "Current Series" under more information. Previous Next

Growing in Christ This step invites you into ongoing spiritual growth and active participation in the life of the church. You’ll discover how God works through your gifts, relationships, and daily work, develop life-giving spiritual practices, and engage in service and ministry. Faith becomes not just something you believe, but something you live. You may work through materials, attend classes a s they become available (see below) and find a small group . Don't see a small group for you? Email Deaconess Anna to start one! Additional Resources Discovering Your Gifts Discipleship Challenge : Attend "Ignition: Welcome to Grace " session (offered in October, February, June). Luther’s Doctrine of Vocation: Martin Luther’s doctrine of vocation asserts that all human roles are divinely ordained “callings” where Christians serve God by serving their neighbors, dignifying ordinary life as holy work. Explore More : Read: https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/life-ministry/library/vocation Practice of Reading & Reflecting Discipleship Challenge : Luther’s OMT: In 1539, Martin Luther wrote about understanding spiritual truth. As spiritual discipline, he describes the use of three rules based on Psalm 119. Oratio (pray) Meditatio (meditate) Tentatio (testing) Reflective Bible Reading Explore More : Read: Luther’s OMT: ‘The Cycle of the Christian Life’ found in ‘Impassion Your Faith’ Kit. YouTube Video : 17 minutes YouTube Video : 21 minutes YouTube Video : 18 minutes Pray daily: Use spiritual devotion regularly, participate in worship every week. Memorize: Commit to memorizing 1 or 2 verses of phrase Read: Reflective Bible Reading: A step-by-step approach Workbook: Reflective Bible Reading Journal example found in ‘Impassion Your Faith’ Kit. Radical Generosity Discipleship Challenge : Pastor Brooks' 3 Sermon Series on ‘Building a Foundation of Generosity’ October 12, 19, 26, 2025 Emphasizes that God is the first and most generous giver and the Holy Spirit is the ongoing expression of God’s generosity in us. Explore More : Read: Sermon series ‘Building a Foundation of Generosity ' Read: God and Your Money found in ‘Impassion Your Faith’ Kit. Lutheran Theology Discipleship Challenge : “Lutheranism 101” New Class Self-study – The LCMS website provides overview of the Lutheran Confessions, beliefs and values Explore More : Class starts Sunday January 11, 2026 at 8:30am Online: The Lutheran Confessions Small Groups and Ministries Discipleship Challenge : Self-exploration – Review your Clifton Strength Results with a wellness coach Commit to join a small group or ministry as a volunteer for 1-3 months Explore More : Contact Chris Wethma n , CCLC (Certified Christian Leadership Coach) Speak with our Director of Christian Outreach, Deaconess Anna Voelke r Attend church gatherings/celebrations – found in the weekly newsletter , website calendar and video “What’s Up at Grace ”. Step 4 Coming in February

< Back Rev. Dr. David Brooks Pastor Email Pastor Dave pr.dave.brooks@gracedurham.org 919-682-6030 Pastor Dave Brooks has been the spiritual leader for Grace for six years. As our worship leader, preacher and lead teacher, he has a passion for helping people discover and embrace the grand adventure of life with Jesus Christ. A native of small-town Georgia, Pr. Brooks has served and led churches on both coasts and in both urban and rural settings but calls the Triangle his true home. When he’s not on the clock, you can find him with his wife and daughter hiking some new trail, or seeking some out-of-the-way barbecue joint. Previous Next

Learn more about Grace Lutheran Church, a congregation dedicated to worship, community, and service in Durham, NC. Discover our mission, values, and the heart behind everything we do to impact our city for Christ. Who We Are A people rooted in God's amazing grace. Grace Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Its history begins with Lutheran families from the midwest who came to Durham during the Second World War. Grace quickly became a vital part of the neighborhoods around Duke’s East Campus: Walltown, Trinity Park and Trinity Heights. Grace is a leader in social ministries across Durham and continues to be a community where people of all ages can grow in faith to God’s glory and for the blessing of our neighbors. Our Mission Going with Good News: teaching, serving, and sharing Christ with our neighbors. Our Vision To be a people able to be Church wherever we are. Our Values: The Way of G.R.A.C.E. Our values reflect why we do what we do. They are the things we do day in and day out in order to pursue our mission and live into our vision. Grow with Jesus Jesus seeks out particular individuals to share with them His knowledge, skill, and wisdom? What does Jesus see in you? What does He want to teach you? Rejoice in God Do you think humans are designed to worship? Where and how do you worship? Answer with Hope What is it like for you to share your faith with others? What would make it easier? Care for our neighbor Where is Jesus? Do you know where He likes to go, what He likes to do, who He likes to be with? Embrace Community What does it mean to you that you were made for community? Is God still at work trying to find, call and restore the flock of all that belongs to Him? Walking Together Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church is a part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS ) , a confessional Lutheran denomination. The word “Synod” comes from Greek words that mean “walking together.” The term has rich meaning in our church body because congregations voluntarily choose to belong to the Synod. We are part of the historic, orthodox and universal Church that began with Christ and His Apostles. We hold to the Word of God as revealed in Scripture and as affirmed in the Lutheran Confessions. LCMS Website Grace Alone We believe that God forgives individuals of their sins and saves them from eternal punishment by the goodness and free gift of His grace alone. People cannot earn forgiveness through any good works; rather, they depend on the mercy of God. Faith Alone Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. His death was sufficient, effectual, and complete for the forgiveness of sins. We put our faith and trust in Jesus--that by His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we have the forgiveness of sins and hope of life everlasting. We do not rely on our own works to make us righteous, but trust that we are justified through faith in the righteousness of Christ. Scripture Alone We believe that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Nothing is missing from the Scripture that is necessary for communicating the Gospel for the salvation of the world. It is trustworthy. What We Believe

< Back Stephen Ministry Get trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life. An independent Christian organization founded in St Louis in 1975. Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. For More Information Contact the church office . Schedule Previous Next